Advanced Math and Science Academy Charter School

I attended AMSA for middle school, but now that I am in a elite private high school I see what academics it had. Students are required to take 3 years of Latin there. However, I was not taught enough at all to place out of Latin I in my high school. Also, in AMSA, all 7th and 8th graders take Chem, Bio, and Physics. Now that I take Honors Physics at my private school do I see that nothing was taught in AMSA. I am no better off at Physics than any my peers who had a generic "Science" class in middle school. Also, in AMSA, academic dishonesty is very present. While students read the Iliad, etc. most sparknotes it, and there are no analytical essays assigned to test to see if you know the book. While tests are very easy with no thinking and just memorization required, many students feel the need to cheat and teachers do not put in the effort to stop this practice. Teachers are not caring. While there are a select few, most are lazy and one not only did not write me a letter of recc for my high school, but she also lied about writing it. In AMSA I spent the two months before MCAS reviewing, not going forward. That sums up this school: teach for the test and appear good only on paper.

AMSA teachers are very supportive and the communication with e-mails and ed-line let's you know what's going on daily. Our son has enjoyed fencing, wrestling, dances and monthly roller skating activities with his friends. Although AMSA is not about the extras it's about the academics. The staff goes above and beyond to ensure he students are reaching academic potential. The teachers helped problem solve and plan out how to best support our son. They use technology to tech and have infused universal design practices into there teachings. As parents we lucked out that not only does AMSA support our son's academic needs it fosters a health social environment for learning as well.
--Submitted by a parent

We have been pleased with our experience at AMSA. Our child is doing very well and the curriculum seems more demanding and coherent than the offerings at other public middle schools. The fact that this year, many children from area private schools transferred to AMSA is a testament to the bad economy but also to the quality of AMSA. But be forewarned -- coming to this school means your child will be giving up some of the 'frills' of routine public school such as: a nice, useful physical plant (the school is housed in two former office buildings NOT built to be schools....the rooms are small, the hallways extremely narrow, there is not a cafeteria, school kitchen (so no hot lunches, except for catering); no gymnasium or auditorium); there is no music program as part of the curriculum, so only extracurricular band or music. Otherwise, we like the school.
--Submitted by a parent

Its one of the best school that I have ever come across after living in various parts of world.
--Submitted by a parent

AMSA is a unique institution where children are challenged to think critically, conceptually, to act more maturely, and to realize the value of investing time and effort in planning for their future. Children are not spoon-fed something that is easy to swallow but not necessarily does any good for them, which is such a common case in the public school system. AMSA is a world-class educational institution that provides in-depth, complex and current knowledge in a variety of subjects that are offered and taught by professionals as early as in 6th grade . my family postponed relocation to another state just to give our daughter another year of incredible learning experience. Where else do you find this curriculum and atmosphere without paying a private prep school tuition ? Trust me, nowhere. Special acknowledgment should go to the incredible history teacher Mr. Anderson. Thank you all, Adourian Family
--Submitted by a parent

This is my son's second year at AMSA and we are all extremely pleased. Of course there are some problems, as there are everywhere, but overall AMSA is an excellent place of learning. The teachers are so much more committed than I have seen in our public school system. The curriculum is fantastic and each subject is carefully woven into other related subjects, i.e. world literature, history and geography classes all study the same time period from a different perspective. The math and science classes are great. In 7th grade the kids have algebra, physics, chemistry, biology and computer science, which is way more than most public or private middle schools offer. Most importantly it is a place where learning is cool.
--Submitted by a parent

The school is going through growing pains like any new school. Especially since they started with only grades 6 & 7 but now include high school (up to grade 10 this yr.). The curriculum is fantastic, and my child enjoys it there. Socially, there are good relationships with both students and teachers to be found. We have been satisfied with the offerings of extra-curricular & afterschool programs.
--Submitted by a parent

I am extremely happy with the curriculum and the faculty available at the school. My son is learning much more than he would have elsewhere. For once, I have found a school where learning something is looked upon as 'cool' as opposed to the average public school where if you read for pleasure, you must be a nerd. AMSACS will provide my son with the tools he needs to live in an increasingly competitive world.
--Submitted by a parent

My child has exceeded my ability to help her with her math, physics and chemistry homework. She's only in the 7th grade. This school proves that many children can learn more when we raise the bar. It's very challenging. The only downside to the school is that many people have to commute a long distance to go and it makes it hard for them to take part in extracurricular activities, even though the school goes out of its way to accomodate.
--Submitted by Ellen, a parent

AMSA has created an educational environment were kids can both study at a very advanced level, yet enjoy themselves and build great friendships in the process. The school has built a strong classical curriculum, where every subject is studied in depth, with additional emphasis placed on math and science. The school is a great asset to the community and to any family interested in a quality education for its children.
--Submitted by a parent